Log on
Apply | Contact Us | Give a Gift | VU Home | Site Index | Text only
About VU Admission Academics Campus Life Athletics and Recreation Libraries Alumni and Friends of VU
You are exploring: VU > Student Life > Office of the Vice President > Student Support Services > Gay Straight Coalition  Print This Page
Catholic Teaching on Homosexuality

Since 1975, the Vatican, individual bishops, and regional and national bishops' conferences have developed and expanded the Church's teaching on homosexuality in five areas: 1) homosexual orientation; 2) sexual ethics; 3) pastoral ministry; 4) prejudice, discrimination, and homophobia; 5) civil rights and human dignity. What follows is a summary of those teachings.

1) Homosexual Orientation

The Church teaches that the homosexual orientation is not chosen, and, so, therefore it is not immoral. A constitutional homosexual orientation is permanent and irreversible, so people should not be directed to try to change their orientations. The orientation is not a phase and is not a block to spiritual growth, but in fact, should be viewed as a path to spiritual growth.

2) Sexual Ethics

The Church teaches that the only moral sexual acts are those that are open to procreation, which bring two people closer together in loving intimacy, and which are performed in the context of Christian marriage. Because homosexual acts do not have a procreative element, they are not morally approved.

3) Pastoral Ministry

The Church teaches that gay and lesbian people must be welcomed into the faith community. Church leaders have called on pastoral ministers to develop programs for gay/lesbian people that are appropriate to their needs and gifts.

4) Prejudice, Discrimination, Homophobia

The Church teaches that prejudice, discrimination, and violence against gay/lesbian people is immoral and should be avoided. People have a responsibility to examine their attitudes and behaviors about gay/lesbian people and adjust them so as to be free of hate. The Church deplores acts of violence against gay/lesbian people and encourages Church leaders to condemn them.

5) Civil Rights and Human Dignity

The Church teaches that each person's intrinsic dignity must be protected by law. This admonition applies to lesbian/gay people, too. The Church specifically states that they have a right to justice, to belong to and participate equally in the civil community, and to be respected. Catholic leaders have often supported civil rights legislation that assures equality in housing, employment, and public accommodation.